Honk Jr is a modern, musical update of the much-loved classic Hans Christian Anderson story, The Ugly Duckling.
Production manager Chris Thomas said it was a delightful story where the animals on thefarm were quick to point out that Ugly (played by Layla Rae ) looked different from his darling duckling siblings.
"So Ugly embarks on an adventure of self-discovery where he unknowingly outwits a very hungry cat (played by Ella Pfaff), meets a whole flockof quirky characters and finds out that being different is not only OK, but something he later decides he wants to be."
Honk Jr is a celebration of what makes us special with a story about tolerance, forgiveness and respect, which is also good-humoured family fun.
"It’s cute enough for kids but smart enough for adults, with some great character roles for our bunch of talented youngsters," Thomas said.
"The children have jumped webbed feet first into the story of Honk! Jr.
"They are working so hard with the creative team to create a wonderfully entertaining show that audiences will love."
The production is directed by Ella Thomas (Anne of Green Gables, Finding Nemo Jr, The Last Five Years) with musical direction by Sam Roadley in his first fulltime role in a directing team, and choreography by Katrina Thompson (Broadway Melody, Goldilocks, The Jungle Book).
The show features a cast of 39 children aged 9 to 13 from across South Canterbury.
"We’re enjoying working with these amazing kids to bring this gorgeous story to life," she said.
Honk! Jr runs from Friday, September 27 to Saturday, October 5 at the Playhouse on Church St.
Tickets can be bought online from iticket.co.nz or from the Timaru Visitor Information Centre.
